Not 23 years old
As good as this rum is (and it's really good), it's not 23 years old. The 23 anos was discontinued and replaced with a 23 Sistema Solera, whereby the oldest rum in the solera is 23 year old - and of that there isn't much. It's not even an average age.
Mark Jul 15, 2015
the naysayers are not really adjusting to the rum experience...true, it's 'different' than whisky, but...
poured into a stemless oversized wine glass
nose: red hots (cinnamon)and generic cola (in a good way); sweet but nothing suggesting cloyingness
palate: this is rum? not sure where everyone rating this negatively are getting the 'liqueur' sense...the mouthfeel isn't thin but this sure isn't 'thick' or syrupy. molasses, sure, but in a refined sense (of taste...not viscosity); other notes include raw honey bite, more 'cola' (again, in a good way), and, of course, there's the oak bite that's very mellowed but assertive nonetheless. i've heard as it sits and warms up, more develops, but this is right out of the bottle within a 5 minute span.
finish: despite the impressiveness of the first two phases of the tasting (and worth, so far, the $50 price tag!), this is a finish i wish i could get from some of my favorite whisk(e)y experiences! the finish is of medium length, but the first 5 seconds are intense...there's a brief expansion and intensity of the above notes which continue to repeat with each sip/swallow...warming, tingly, small bite of woodiness, again a sort of distilled cola note (very nice actually)...
will have to try the single ice cube later...as suggested. but neat, this is crisp and balmy. this isn't a beachside rum, but sure could make some time in the sand and sun better. i prefer mountains in the winter. this will be just fine in our northern mid-atlantic winters ;) cheers
Master of Malt Customer May 17, 2015
Scotched Out
Normally drink high quality scotch, but have known to dabble in rums.
We had a party over the weekend. A friend brought this over to sample. I was very impressed. very smooth, very smokey goodness, even after 18 year old scotch. I will be looking to pick up a bottle. I don't believe you'll be disappointed.
Master of Malt Customer Feb 3, 2015
Disappointing
I was really looking forward to this rum as a change from whisky. But while it has a decent nose and palate, I found the body to be extremely thin and water-like. Also, it was ridiculously alcoholic, almost as much as cheap vodka. I've tasted un-aged liquors at much higher proof which were less alcoholic. I certainly won't be buying again.
Master of Malt Customer Dec 25, 2014
The very best a dark rum can get !
I'm going to be keeping my eye on this one as I belive it is going to start to pick up awards. If you like Demerara rums then El Dorado 21 is the obvious choice and if you like molasses rums then with out any doubt at all Ron Zacapa is your rum. I'm almost certain if the Pirates of the carribiean star Cpt Jack Sparrow got his hands on this stuff then Disiney would have a very hard time trying to make the films indeed as he would never be sober. Rum at its very best ! ?
Stuart Coyne Dec 17, 2014
